would be no return in ready money, and ready money was absolutely
essential to the success of her plans. The boy was quick, eager
and well-mannered, and in consequence had no difficulty in finding
employment with the neighbouring farmers. So much was this the case that
long before the closing of school in the early summer Larry was offered
work for the whole summer by their neighbour, Mr. Martin, at one dollar
a day. He could hardly believe his good fortune inasmuch as he had never
in all his life been paid at a rate exceeding half that amount.

"I shall have a lot of money, mother," he said, "for my high school now.
I wonder how much it will cost me for the term."

Thereupon his mother seized the opportunity to discuss the problem with
him which she knew they must face together.

"Let us see," said his mother.

Then each with pencil and paper they drew up to the table, but after the
most careful paring down of expenses and the most optimistic estimate of
their resources consistent with fact, they made the rather discouraging
discovery that they were still fifty dollars short.

"I can't do it, mother," said Larry, in bitter disappointment.

"We shall not give up yet," said his mother. "Indeed, I think with what
we can make out of the farm and garden and poultry, we ought to be able
to manage."

But a new and chilling thought had come to the lad. He pondered
silently, and as he pondered his face became heavily shadowed.